213‑Pound Yellowfin Landed Out of Venice Shows Bigger‑Bait Payoff

A 213.2-pound, 78-inch yellowfin tuna came to the deck of Voodoo Fishing Charters on January 18 after an hour-long battle in rough seas, offering a clear field lesson for anglers chasing winter bulls out of Venice, Louisiana. Captain Joey Davis and his crew deliberately upped bait size and gear to target larger fish, and the tactic paid off with a certified-scale weight and biological samples that will help fisheries research.

The action began when the boat drifted larger hardtail baits behind the spread, using 10- to 12-inch hardtail to present a profile more likely to attract big yellowfin. When the fish took, the angler party endured multiple long runs in choppy conditions before the crew could gain steady control. The team worked the fish on stand-up tackle: a Penn Ally bent-butt 80-class and a Penn International 50, paired with heavy mainline and a 100-lb fluorocarbon leader. After the final gaff, the fish went to a marina certified scale at 213.2 lb.

This catch is notable for two reasons. First, it reinforces a simple on-deck principle: bigger bait often equals bigger tuna. Choosing a 10- to 12-inch hardtail changed target size and hookup behavior, shifting the pickup from school-sized fish to larger bulls. Second, the captain preserved parts of the fish for both trophy and science. The head was saved for a mount and the otoliths, or ear bones, were removed and will be submitted to fisheries biologists for ageing. Those ear-bone samples provide concrete age verification that informs stock assessments and local management conversations.

For anglers and charter operators, the practical takeaways are immediate. Use heavier stand-up rigs when you expect long runs and rough seas, match bait size to the class of fish you want, and be prepared for extended fights that demand teamwork on deck. Leaders in the 100-lb fluorocarbon range and bent-butt stand-up rods help control big yellowfin without sacrificing angler engagement.

The landing also signals that Venice continues to produce large yellowfin in mid January, encouraging charters and private boats to plan for winter bluewater game. The otolith submission means this catch will contribute beyond the scales, giving biologists age data that supports sustainable fisheries decisions. Expect more boats to adopt similar tactics as the season progresses and as managers digest the biological data from this and other verified large tuna.